Looking into the future of data-routing with IRIS

ScienceDaily (2010-04-05) -- The Internet is on the verge of overheating, as big network routers are forced to sort through more and more data packets. One solution is to install photonic routers that leave data in the form of light, thereby avoiding unnecessary electronic processing. Researchers have built an operational photonic router prototype that could conceivably manage hundreds of terabits of data per second.